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St. Augustine Fort: A Timeless Stop on Our Florida Road Trip
- Jenn & Leon
- 8 hours ago
- 7 min read
After three snowy months house-sitting in Michigan for a couple who are now lifelong friends, we were itching to hit the road again.
Our original plan was to head back to the UK—until we spotted a transatlantic cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale.
The price? Almost identical to a one-way flight.
Done deal! Cue the ultimate road trip down to Florida.
One stop we couldn’t resist? St. Augustine, home to Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., and even though we didn’t venture inside the fort itself, this place still left an impression.
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A Brief History of Castillo de San Marcos
Built by the Spanish in the late 1600s, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States—and it’s been through more than a few battles.
Completed in 1695, the fort was constructed to protect St. Augustine from pirates, British raids, and other colonial rivals.
What makes it especially unique is the coquina stone used to build it. At first glance, it looks like a soft rock made of crushed shells (because it is), but it turned out to be a defensive powerhouse.
Instead of shattering like brick or granite, coquina absorbed cannon fire—literally flexing instead of breaking. Pretty advanced for its time.
Over the centuries, the fort has flown the flags of Spain, Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States, all without ever being taken by force. From Native American prisoners to Civil War troops and beyond, these walls have seen a lot.
Today, it’s preserved by the National Park Service and stands as a symbol of the complex and layered history of the oldest city in America.
Wandering the Ancient Walls of Castillo de San Marcos
We arrived on a blazing hot day with the Florida sun doing its best to melt us.
But that didn’t stop us from circling the entire fort, soaking in the view from the outer walls, and taking in the intricate stonework.
Built by the Spanish in the 1600s using coquina—a unique shell-limestone material—the structure is surprisingly well-preserved.
The cannons lining the edges caught our eye immediately. A few were pointed straight toward the water, and there was also a fascinating small building waterside that was designed to heat cannonballs before firing—a method historically used to set enemy ships ablaze. (Turns out it’s called a furnace for hot shot—and yes, it’s real!)
Refueling at Mayita Mexican Restaurant
After exploring the fort grounds, we opted to look for some lunch, and were lucky to find Mayita Mexican Restaurant, a small spot with big flavor.
It sits right on the water with a fantastic view, and has a beautifully decorated interior which is air-conditioned and very comfortable.
Tacos, friendly service, and refreshing drinks—exactly what we needed after wandering around under the Florida sun.
This is a new restaurant, and we wish the owners and staff the very best in their venture. We highly recommend checking it out.
Hop-On Hop-Off... Next Time!
While we didn’t catch the hop-on-hop-off train tour that loops through the historic area, we’d still recommend it for anyone planning to spend more time exploring.
It’s a great way to see the main sites without worrying about parking or the Florida heat.
The Old Town Trolley Tours start at around USD 34.99 per adult, with multiple stops, including the fort.
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Ticket Prices
● Adults (16+): USD 15
● Children under 15: Free (must be with an adult)
● America the Beautiful Pass: Free entry included
Tickets are valid for 7 consecutive days, so you can revisit if you're staying in town.
You can buy tickets on-site at the visitor center or online via the National Park Service website.
Note: Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025).
All prices are in U.S. Dollars.
Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
● Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
● Last entry: 4:45 PM
● Closed: Only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Note: The outside grounds and waterfront views are always accessible, even when the fort itself is closed.
⪢ Best Time to Visit
● Early morning (9:00–10:00 AM) is the quietest time to explore the interior and walk the walls without crowds
● Spring (March–May) and Fall (October–November) offer the best weather for walking around the fort and downtown
● Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends or holiday periods
If you're short on time, walking around the outer walls and cannons is still worth the stop (no ticket required)
We didn’t enter the fort on our visit, but enjoyed walking the perimeter and checking out the cannons overlooking the bayfront—a great free activity if you're on a quick stop during a Florida road trip.
How to Get to Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida
Located in the heart of historic St. Augustine, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is easily accessible whether you're road-tripping through Florida or visiting the town for the day.
The fort sits right on the Matanzas River, just a short walk from the city’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
By Car (Most Common Option)
If you’re on a road trip like we were, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach the fort.
● From Jacksonville: 1 hour south via I-95 S and FL-16 E
● From Orlando: 2 hours northeast via I-4 E and I-95 N
● From Daytona Beach: 1 hour north via I-95 N
There’s a small paid parking lot right next to the fort and additional metered parking throughout the historic district. Arrive early—spaces fill up fast, especially on weekends.
By Trolley or Hop-On-Hop-Off Train
On Foot
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in St Augustine and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse St Augustine hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Helpful Travel Tools We Used
● Need data while on the road? We used GigSky eSIM (10% off with code CLOSERLIVES10)
● Rental cars made easy: We recommend Turo for flexible pick-ups
● Travel insurance: Try SafetyWing for peace of mind
● No foreign exchange fees: We use Wise to transfer and spend abroad easily
Our Experience Rating:
Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos might be centuries old, but it still knows how to stop you in your tracks.
For us, it was more than a historical detour—it was a memorable chapter in a much bigger adventure.
From snowy Michigan to sun-drenched Florida, this fort stood as a symbol of change, resilience, and timeless stories waiting to be uncovered.
FAQ: Castillo de San Marcos – Exploring the Oldest Masonry Fort in the U.S.
Where is Castillo de San Marcos located?
The fort is in St. Augustine, Florida, right along the Matanzas River. It’s located in the historic district and is an easy walk from downtown shops, restaurants, and waterfront paths.
What makes the fort historically significant?
What are the fort’s opening hours and fees?
How much time should I plan for my visit?
Is the fort family-friendly?
Are guided tours available?
Is the Castillo wheelchair accessible?
Can I take photos inside?
What else is there to do nearby?
Is it worth visiting even if you don’t enter?
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I love historical places, and this is an excellent place to scratch that itch! The fort and the town are great, not to mention those stunning Florida ocean vibes!